Bartlett tapped among top 100 cities

Residents cite security, sense of community for landing city as No. 95 best place to live

Bartlett is a friendly place, with good schools, good services, accessible city leaders.

There's also the sense of security that makes one put down roots or feel safe sitting on the front porch in the evenings.

Such things help make Bartlett one of the country's top 100 places to live, according to Money magazine and CNNMoney's online edition.

Bartlett came in 95th in what is believed to be its first time on the list. It was the only Tennessee city ranked.

In DeSoto County, Olive Branch was 89th, and farther south, Ridgeland was 80th. No Arkansas cities made the list.

According to the magazine's Web site, CNN and Money worked with data provider OnBoard and BestPlaces.net consultant Bert Sperling to do the national study.

The poll looked at racially and economically diverse cities with populations between 7,500 and 50,000. Other factors included cost of living, jobs, schools, affordable housing, leisure opportunities, congestion, ambience, crime rate and access to airports and hospitals.

"I think it's wonderful," said Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald. "It's a welcomed acknowledgement of what those in Bartlett already know -- that this is a great place to live."

Several weeks ago, McDonald told civic clubs that the city excels because of its quality schools, police, fire, city services, low taxes -- and residents' happiness.

"What makes you stay where you live and have children who come back there to live? It has to do with happiness, which the dictionary defines as a state of contentment, joy and well-being. "I think we have those things here in Bartlett," he said.

Other folks agree.

"I came to Bartlett in 1974. It was smaller then but it has kept its small-town atmosphere and friendly people," said Municipal Court Judge George McCrary.

"Bartlett is unusual in that it has been able to grow to meet demands without growing inaccessible," McCrary said.

"People can pick up the phone and talk with their alderman, and if they have a complaint or problem they can take it to City Hall with some assurance that it is going to be addressed."

Civic leader Kathy Greene, a 32-year resident, said people make Bartlett great.

"The citizenry has helped make us what we are," with people working for the future.

City spokeswoman Debbie Morrison, who has lived in Bartlett for 18 years and sent two sons to area schools, agreed.

"Bartlett gives you a sense of belonging. This is not just a place to live but a way of life."

Police receptionist Sandy Harris said, "I like the small-town atmosphere close to the metropolis. Even though I may not go to Memphis more than a half-dozen times a year to a ball game or a concert, I have lived in Bartlett 35 years and wouldn't want to live anywhere else."

Bartlett Alderman W. C. "Bubba" Pleasant said Bartlett is a place where people care about each other and it shows.

"That is what people like about Bartlett. They love to be here. We have got good fire and police and the community is clean and you see people working in their yards. Bartlett has been blessed."